UK Bill Help

Both financial aid, in the form of a bond to pay a deposit of up to one months of rent, as well as free advice to sustain a tenancy is provided from the South Gloucestershire deposit scheme. The council provides this assistance in an effort to prevent further homelessness in the district. So while the bond can’t stop an eviction from occurring, it will help the homeless or people that live in an unaffordable property locate a new home.

There are several aims of the deposit programme. They include the council wants to provide a housing safeguard to the most vulnerable in the community, including the towns of Chipping Sodbury, Thornbur, Kingswood, and Yate. This means that if the resident hits a short term crisis that there is always some type of support system that will help them continue to live in their home.

The South Gloucestershire Bond Scheme will also encourage landlords to rent their properties to low to middle income families. It also will reduce their risk of working with formerly homeless people. This may be the primary aim of the scheme, as without property owners from the private sector participating then this will not allow the council to reduce homelessness.

Landlords can be assured that any rent arrears will be covered by the bond, so there is only so much money the tenant can owe at the end of their agreement. Also, since the council will also ensure against damage to the home (as this is what the deposit is mostly due for) the landlord also has yet one less risk to take.

Another key aim is to ensure that tenants get the advice they need to sustain the tenancy. The South Gloucestershire housing team will give the family free advice on everything from employment to how to find a job with a life sustaining wage. If needed, the council can help put tenants in touch with other statutory or not-for-profit agencies where necessary. They will also try to give individuals the support to manage their own affairs.

Additional housing support in South Gloucestershire

After applying for the bond, if eligible, the council will partner with the landlord to help the family on a low income access the property. They will perform an inspection of the home, which will also include a review of certificates for electricity and other needs. The council also plays a part if reviewing any tenancy agreement to ensure it is valid.

Only then will the bond be used. It will cover a deposit of up to one months of rent, with a maximum of £1500. If the property does not fall under that amount then the home or flat is too expensive. One key criteria of the South Gloucestershire bond is it will only pay for an affordable property. So the prospective tenant may need to find another home to rent if this is the case.

The housing options team at South Gloucestershire will also assist the person with applying for the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), which is now know as benefits. This programme can help the tenant pay future rental expenses to the landlord after they move in. It will also help sustain tenancies for vulnerable residents. Or if there are other government schemes in which the team thinks the client may be eligible for, then those will be explored too.

For applications to the South Gloucestershire Deposit Bond Scheme, the council office is at Castle Street, Thornbury, BS35 9BR. Applications can be done at the centre, or over the phone. The number is 01454 865555.